7 н One Life Changed the World

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Lewis Wilkerson
5 years ago
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He Can Change Your Life, Too. 1 2 3 Two men were traveling hundreds of miles across the United States by train.

They talked about their early childhood experiences, their families and their marriages. The conversation finally turned to religion. One man was an atheist. The other was a Christian.

1 He Can Change Your Life, Too Two men were traveling hundreds of miles across the United States by train. Since their trip was so long, they passed their time talking about everything that came to their minds. They talked about the weather. They talked about politics. They talked about their early childhood experiences, their families and their marriages. The conversation finally turned to religion. One man was an atheist. The other was a Christian. One man did not believe in God at all. The other had an extremely strong faith in God. One man never read the Bible. The other man read it continually. The topic of their discussion that hot summer afternoon was Jesus Christ. The atheist asked his Christian friend some very powerfully important questions. Questions like: Why are you a Christian? Isn t it a geographical accident? You just happened to be born in a Christian country, right? How is Jesus different than any other great man? Is Jesus more than an ethical teacher or a moral philosopher? How can you be sure Jesus is all He claimed to be? How can you be certain Jesus is divine and His offer of eternal life is real? The atheist s questions that hot summer afternoon on the train are good ones. His Christian friend shared some answers with him. 1

There is no question in my mind that there are solid answers to these questions and understanding their answers means eternal life.

4 Kings, presidents, religious, military leaders, scientists and artists have left their mark on the world.

Even history is divided in years before and after His birth. His name is Jesus. Jesus is the most famous name in history.

Tonight I would like to introduce you more fully to the Jesus of history the Jesus of the Bible. Let s begin at the beginning.

2 There is no question in my mind that there are solid answers to these questions and understanding their answers means eternal life. Our world has certainly had its share of famous people. People who have made their contribution to make the world a better place. 4 Kings, presidents, religious, military leaders, scientists and artists have left their mark on the world. They have names famous around the world. 5 6 One name stands out above all others. Even history is divided in years before and after His birth. His name is Jesus. Jesus is the most famous name in history. But it is one thing to have heard his name, and another to know who He really is. Tonight I would like to introduce you more fully to the Jesus of history the Jesus of the Bible. Let s begin at the beginning. 7 You may be wondering Who is this Jesus? How is He different? Was He just a good man, a moral teacher or an ethical philosopher? Two of the disciples were wondering about these things as well. When Jesus met two disciples on the road to Emmaus on the Sunday of His resurrection, 2 8

He showed them the prophecies that had been fulfilled in the last few days.

Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

13 HIS MIRACULOUS BIRTH Long before Jesus was born to Mary, Isaiah prophesied: 14

3 He showed them the prophecies that had been fulfilled in the last few days. 9 (Text 3 slides: Luke 24:25, 27) O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 10 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, 11 He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:25, Let us look at the evidence that proves that Jesus is the Messiah. 13 HIS MIRACULOUS BIRTH Long before Jesus was born to Mary, Isaiah prophesied: 14 (Text 2 slides: Isaiah 7:14) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: 15 Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:

17 (Video: 5 sec) Jesus has many names, Emanuel, Jesus, Savior, Christ, and Messiah.

An angel quoted this very prophecy as evidence Jesus was the Messiah. Let s look at how the angel described Jesus virgin birth to Mary.

together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18 19 HIS BIRTHPLACE 20 21 (Text: Micah 5:2)...Bethlehem,.

4 17 (Video: 5 sec) Jesus has many names, Emanuel, Jesus, Savior, Christ, and Messiah. Isaiah s prophecy regarding Jesus virgin birth was written over 600 years before He was born. An angel quoted this very prophecy as evidence Jesus was the Messiah. Let s look at how the angel described Jesus virgin birth to Mary. (Text 2 slides: Matthew 1:18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, 18 before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18 19 HIS BIRTHPLACE (Text: Micah 5:2)...Bethlehem,... out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel... Micah 5:2 It is remarkable that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the exact city which the prophecy predicted 700 years in advance. (Text: Matthew 2:1) Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. Matthew 2:1 4 22

The New Testament confirms the fulfillment of Micah s prophecy.

He was born of a virgin as the prophet Isaiah predicted. He was born in Bethlehem as the prophet Micah predicted.

These prophecies were fulfilled exactly. When Adam and Eve sinned, God had a plan.

He took our place so we could have eternal life if we accepted His plan to be our Savoir. This is called the PLAN OF SALVATION.

5 The New Testament confirms the fulfillment of Micah s prophecy. Jesus was more than a good man, more than an ethical teacher, more than a moral philosopher. He was the divine Son of God. He was born of a virgin as the prophet Isaiah predicted. He was born in Bethlehem as the prophet Micah predicted Bible prophecy clearly reveals the significant details in Christ s life hundreds of years in advance. These prophecies were fulfilled exactly. When Adam and Eve sinned, God had a plan. His love called for Jesus His Son to come to earth, live a perfect life and die for our sins. He took our place so we could have eternal life if we accepted His plan to be our Savoir. This is called the PLAN OF SALVATION. About 2000 years ago wise men from the East studied the scriptures. They read of a great king to appear and knew it was time for Him to arrive. They knew it was time and the star was the sign of the newborn King. In Bethlehem they found him and bowed down and worshiped Jesus. (Text 2 slides: Luke 2:7) And she [Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, 26 and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 27 5

There was no room in the inn, so Jesus was laid in box where cattle were fed.

28 His mother was very kind, yet young when the angel told her she was to

29 30 Though He was the Son of God, He was just as fully God as was His

The apostle Paul says He was equal with God and took the form of a servant in

..Being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

6 There was no room in the inn, so Jesus was laid in box where cattle were fed. He was born helpless. 28 His mother was very kind, yet young when the angel told her she was to give birth to the Son of God Though He was the Son of God, He was just as fully God as was His Father. The apostle Paul says He was equal with God and took the form of a servant in the likeness of man. (Text 3 slides: Philippians 2:6)...Being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 31 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, 32 and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:6, Jesus became like us to live life on earth. But He was pure, clean, and spotless, so that He could sacrifice His life that we might have eternal life. In the final 24 hours of Christ s life, scores of prophecies centuries old were fulfilled in every detail. Take HIS BETRAYAL by Judas as an example. 6 35

36 (Text: Psalm 41:9) Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who

Peter asked Jesus who was going to betray Him, and Jesus answered, It is

John 13:26 37 THE PRICE PAID TO THE TRAITOR 38 So they paid me thirty

Zechariah 11:12 39 (Text 2 slides: Matthew 26:14, 15) Then one of the

asked, What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?

7 36 (Text: Psalm 41:9) Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. Peter asked Jesus who was going to betray Him, and Jesus answered, It is he whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it. John 13:26 37 THE PRICE PAID TO THE TRAITOR 38 So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. Zechariah 11:12 39 (Text 2 slides: Matthew 26:14, 15) Then one of the Twelve the one called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests 40 and asked, What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you? So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 41 HIS BEATING AND ABUSE 42 (Text 2 slides: Isaiah 50:6) I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; 43 7

I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

their hands, Matthew 26:67 THEY PIERCED HIS HANDS AND FEET 46 (Text:Psalm 22:16) They pierced My hands and My feet.

made reference to the fact that Christ s hands and feet were indeed pierced.

8 I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Isaiah 50: (Text: Matthew 26:67) Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, Matthew 26:67 THEY PIERCED HIS HANDS AND FEET 46 (Text:Psalm 22:16) They pierced My hands and My feet. Psalm 22:16 47 After the resurrection of Christ, Thomas, one of His disciples who doubted that He had been resurrected, made reference to the fact that Christ s hands and feet were indeed pierced. He said, (Text 2 slides:john 20:25) Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, I will not believe. John 20:25 49 HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS Notice how this prophecy of Christ was directly fulfilled: 8 50

(Text: Isaiah 53:12)...numbered with the transgressors.

52 So the scripture was fulfilled which says, And He was numbered with the transgressors.

before Jesus died: (Text: Psalm 22:18) They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing do they cast lots.

9 (Text: Isaiah 53:12)...numbered with the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12 51 (Text 2 slides: Mark 15:27, 28) With Him they crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. 52 So the scripture was fulfilled which says, And He was numbered with the transgressors. Mark 15:27, THEY CAST LOTS FOR HIS CLOTHING King David told what would happen to Jesus clothing a thousand years before Jesus died: (Text: Psalm 22:18) They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing do they cast lots. Psalm 22:18 (Text 3 slides: John 19:23, 24) Then the soldiers...took His garments and made four parts Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 57 They said Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be. John 19:23,

HIS WORDS ON THE CROSS 59 60 (Text :Psalm 22:1) My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? Psalm 22:1.

10 HIS WORDS ON THE CROSS (Text :Psalm 22:1) My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? Psalm 22:1. Compare this Old Testament verse with Matthew 27:46: (Text :Matthew 27:46) My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me Jesus uttered these words just before His death the ninth hour. 61 Many of the prophecies were totally beyond the human control of Jesus. 62 He could not have arranged the place of His birth, 63 the manner of His birth, 64 His betrayal, 65 or the events surrounding His death

67 Jesus was truly who He claimed to be the Messiah.

at, He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free. He couldn t save Himself and us too!

What love! It breaks our proud hearts. He could have called ten thousand angels, but thank God, He did not!

70 71 Jesus came to our planet to live a perfect life to take the place of our sinful lives.

11 67 Jesus was truly who He claimed to be the Messiah. As He hung on the cruel cross, lacerated from beatings, nails in His hands and feet, with a crown of thorns, being mocked and jeered at, He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free. He couldn t save Himself and us too! Do you sometimes wonder if anyone really cares about you? JESUS DOES! He proved it long ago on a hill outside of Jerusalem! What love! It breaks our proud hearts. He could have called ten thousand angels, but thank God, He did not! Instead He died for you and me! The most important question is, Who is Jesus to You? Jesus came to our planet to live a perfect life to take the place of our sinful lives. He would also die the death we should have died, so that we might live forever! The Bible says of His sacrifice, (Text 4 slides: Isaiah 53:3-7) He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; and by His stripes we are healed

All we like sheep have gone astray... 74 He was afflicted.

Isaiah 53:3-7 75 Here we find that Jesus was referred to as the Lamb.

76 (Text 2: Revelation 13:8) Revelation 13:8 speaks of the the Book of Life of the Lamb slain

77 (Text 2 slides: Revelation 5:8, 12) The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.

12 All we like sheep have gone astray He was afflicted... Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. Isaiah 53: Here we find that Jesus was referred to as the Lamb. He is called the Lamb many other times in the Bible. 76 (Text 2: Revelation 13:8) Revelation 13:8 speaks of the the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 77 (Text 2 slides: Revelation 5:8, 12) The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb [saying] Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 5:8, 12 Jesus the Lamb saved all of us from eternal death and has given us eternal life instead. (Text 2 slides: Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death. 80 But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:

82 Adam and Eve sinned and were separated from God.

Their vitality would gradually decrease until they died.

Eden Cherubims, 83 and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of

85 (Text 2 slides: Genesis 3:15) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your

86 And He [Jesus] shall bruise your [Satan s] head, and you [Satan] shall bruise His [Jesus ]

13 82 Adam and Eve sinned and were separated from God. God had to evict them from their garden home and they could no longer eat of the Tree of Life. Their vitality would gradually decrease until they died. (Text 2 slides: Genesis 3:24) So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, 83 and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Genesis 3:24 84 God told them of His plan to save them. 85 (Text 2 slides: Genesis 3:15) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed [Satan s followers] and her Seed [Christ s followers]. 86 And He [Jesus] shall bruise your [Satan s] head, and you [Satan] shall bruise His [Jesus ] heel. Genesis 3:15 87 What does it mean to bruise? The Hebrew word for bruise means to crush. To crush one s head is more serious than to bruise one s heel. Christ would be the victor over Satan. God did something else to remind man of His plan and restore them. 13

90 91 The Bible does not tell us exactly when the sacrificial system was started.

In the very next chapter Cain and Abel bring sacrifices.

92 and the Lord respected Abel and His offering. Genesis 4:4 93 God did not...respect Cain and his offering.

Genesis 4:5 94 Abel brought a lamb that represented the Lamb of God, but Cain brought fruit of the ground.

14 He instituted the sacrificial system. They were to show their faith in the Lamb of God (Jesus) who would one day die to give them eternal life The Bible does not tell us exactly when the sacrificial system was started. Adam and Eve were naked and God made clothes for them from skins. In the very next chapter Cain and Abel bring sacrifices. (Text 2 slides: Genesis 4:4, 5) Abel brought of the lamb of the first born of his flock and of their fat, 92 and the Lord respected Abel and His offering. Genesis 4:4 93 God did not...respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry. Genesis 4:5 94 Abel brought a lamb that represented the Lamb of God, but Cain brought fruit of the ground. Cain s offering did not show faith in the slain Lamb of God. (Text: Hebrews 9:22)...Without the shedding of blood there is no remission. Hebrew 9: When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, he taught them many lessons through the ceremonies of the sanctuary He had Moses build. The sanctuary, or tabernacle, was a replica of the true tabernacle pitched in heaven.

One of these ceremonies was the Passover.

to slay a lamb and put the blood of the lamb on their doorposts.

That night the destroying angel passed over the homes that were

99 100 Passover was to remind them that only the blood of the Lamb

The animals that were sacrificed could not cleanse from sin.

.. Hebrews 9:26 101 (Text: Hebrews 10:4) For it is not possible that

15 One of these ceremonies was the Passover On the 14th day the first month, the people had been instructed to slay a lamb and put the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. It was a sign they were covered by the blood of the Lamb. That night the destroying angel passed over the homes that were covered by blood and did not harm anyone inside Passover was to remind them that only the blood of the Lamb can deliver us from destruction. The animals that were sacrificed could not cleanse from sin. But the faith of the people in God s sacrifice could save them from sin. (Text: Hebrews 9:26)...He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself... Hebrews 9: (Text: Hebrews 10:4) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Hebrews 10:4 102 John the Baptist announced the Messiah and pointed to Jesus and said, 103 (Text: John 1:29)...Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:

105 The ceremonial system of sacrifices had been pointing forward to the Messiah the Lamb of God.

Jesus delivers us from guilt. Jesus teaches us how to live. Jesus life is an example for us. Jesus empowers our lives. Jesus changes us from within. Jesus gives us a new life.

The crew drifted for days until they could make a landing on Elephant Island.

16 105 The ceremonial system of sacrifices had been pointing forward to the Messiah the Lamb of God. The shed blood of every dying lamb in the Old Testament, had for centuries represented Jesus shed blood for us. 106 Jesus is the Savior of the world. Jesus pardons. Jesus forgives. Jesus delivers us from guilt. Jesus teaches us how to live. Jesus life is an example for us. Jesus empowers our lives. Jesus changes us from within. Jesus gives us a new life. During one of Sir Ernest Shackleton s attempts to cross the Antarctic Ocean in 1914, his ship, the Endurance, was crushed in an ice floe. The crew drifted for days until they could make a landing on Elephant Island. 107 Shackleton had the men set up camp there where they could preserve their supplies and try to survive the coming winter. But he soon realized that no one would be coming to rescue them. No one had any idea where they were. They were cut off from the world by the freezing, stormy Antarctic Ocean. There was only one hope of a rescue: Someone had to cross that hostile ocean and get help Shackleton began to rig a twenty-foot whaling boat for the voyage. From volunteers, he picked a crew of six. They would have to cross eight hundred miles of tempestuous sea in order to reach a Norwegian whaling station on the frozen island of South Georgia. It seemed an impossible task in an open boat at the stormiest time of year. But Shackleton set out with his men. For days they huddled under a makeshift canvas covering, keeping the bow turned into the fiercest waves, praying that the wind wouldn t tear their small sail away.

17 They endured bone-chilling cold, sleeping bags frozen stiff, icy water streaming down their backs, hunger, and thirst. Fourteen days after their voyage began, when all were almost dead of exposure and thirst, they spotted the black cliffs of South Georgia! Shackleton had made it through; soon a ship would be on its way to rescue the rest of his stranded men. When God looked down at our predicament and saw that we were isolated on our island, surrounded by a boundless sea of sin, He plunged into that hostile sea Himself. He took on Himself the murderous, icy vastness of the evil in humankind. 109 There is no one else in all the universe like Jesus. He is the only one who can save us. He is the only one who can take away our guilt and change our lives. He is the only one who can offer us eternal life. Would you like to lift your hand right now and say, Yes, Jesus, I accept you tonight as my Lord and Savior. Yes, Lord, I believe you died for me. Yes, Lord, I give my life to you. Just raise your hand as I pray for you. 17

I see him, but not now; Jesus,...the son of Isaac,

I see him, but not now; Jesus,...the son of Isaac, CREDENTIALS OF MESSIAH Prophecy Fulfillment And I will put enmity between But when the fullness of the time had you and the woman and between come, God sent forth His Son, born your seed and her Seed;